THE NERITIC ZOOPLANKTON OF THE SOUTH EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN AT ALEXANDRIA

THE NERITIC ZOOPLANKTON OF THE SOUTH EASTERN

MEDITERRANEAN AT ALEXANDRIA

I-Distribution and Ecology of the Zooplankton

Organisms with Special Reference to

Copepoda

By
N. M. DOWIDAR AND A.M. EL-MAGRRABY
Oceanography Dept., Alexandria University

INTRODUCTION
A detailed study on tb{j ecology and distribution of both phytoplankton and
zooplankton was carricd out in Alexandria region for two complete years (l961­
1963). Such a study is very important since it fills a gap in the plankton investigations in the Eastern l\1( ditellarcan region, an d it if; urgently needed for it
throws light on several contemporary fis4cl’ies problemR. Moreover the annual
discharge of huge amounts of Nile water to the Mediterranean in front of the Nile
Delta from late summer throughout autumn has given the area certain unique
biological and hydrographical features. Since 1966, arld by the complete construction of the High Dam South of Aswan, tIle flood water waR completely stroed in
front of the Dam for irrigation purposes, consequently the hydrographical and
biokgical features of the nCl’itic mea in front of the Nile Delta, at least during tre
flood season, are altered. TIlis study is thus considered as an important reference
for establishing a condition which will no larger exist in the area and will form a
basis for the future comparisons.